The BBC is reporting this morning that Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling has given a donation of 10 million pounds to the University of Edinburgh to fund a research clinic studying MS (Multiple sclerosis). The new research clinic will be named the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, after the author’s mother who suffered from the decease and passed away at age 45. The BBC goes on to note that the clinic will also focus their efforts “on other degenerative neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and Motor Neurone Disease.” Ms Rowling is quoted as saying in regards to the donation:

“I cannot think of anything more important, or of more lasting value, than to help the university attract world-class minds in the field of neuroregeneration, to build on its long and illustrious history of medical research and, ultimately, to seek a cure for a very Scottish disease.

“I have just turned 45, the age at which my mother, Anne, died of complications related to her MS.

“I know that she would rather have had her name on this clinic than on any statue, flower garden or commemorative plaque, so this donation is on her behalf, too; and in gratitude for everything she gave me in her far-too-short life.”

A second article on SkyNews reports that ‘[t]he Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic will be based in a purpose-built facility within the University’s Chancellor’s Building, next to the city’s Royal Infirmary at Little France. University officials said the development will build on Edinburgh’s “strong track records” in patient-focused clinical research on neurological disorders and in imaging of the brain and nervous system. It follows the setting up of the Centre for Multiple Sclerosis Research at the university three years ago, which also received support from the author.”More information about the Centre for MS Research at the University of Edinburgh can be found via this link.Many thanks, Erna!